Saturday 20 December 2008

A Christmas present to myself! (152)

I've been umming and ahhing for some time now about whether I should buy a proper sewing table, and finally gave into temptation. After Christmas I'm planning to sort out the little bedroom so that I can use it as a craft/sewing room again so a proper table for the sewing machine will be lovely. It's the smallest Horn Cub and folds up into quite a small cabinet and I love the hydraulic lift that takes the sewing machine up and down - can't stop playing with it! 
From Christmas 2008 03/12/2008 10:43

From Christmas 2008 03/12/2008 10:43
From Christmas 2008 03/12/2008 10:43
Poor Christopher has been ill this week, in bed most of the time. He finally went to the doctor yesterday who diagnosed a severe chest infection and gave him antibiotics. So I've been playing nursemaid at a distance, as we're both keen that I shouldn't catch it. And of course it's typical that for the first time I was looking forward to his Running Club's Christmas party, as it's going to be a Barn Dance, and we can't go! Normally they have a disco, which I dislike intensely. Hey ho, that's life. 

Rosie, aka The Laziest Cat in the World, certainly knows how to make herself comfortable. Somehow she'd managed to turn back the quilt (very neatly) and snuggle up underneath.

Well, I've finished all my Christmas preparations, all the sewing and gifts are finished, all of the shopping done except for collecting the goose and ham on Tuesday and picking up a few last minute vegetables. So the next few days will be dedicated to baking and decorating the Christmas cake and having as much rest as possible. And keeping my fingers crossed that Christopher is well enough to enjoy Christmas, and that I don't go down with the lurgy!

I also plan to read A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens - again. One of my earliest Christmas memories is of my father reading it to me, and he read it to me every year until I was old enough to read it for myself. I then continued to read it every year. When I was about 22 I went to Jamaica on Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and for my first Christmas there he sent me a copy of the book that he'd found in an antique book shop.
From Christmas 2008 03/12/2008 10:43
This edition was printed in 1945 and has the original illustrations by John Leech. So my very own personal Christmas tradition, and a quiet chance to remember my father, is to read the story every year at Christmas time. You'd think I know it by heart by now, but there's always something new to think about, or something I've forgotten about. 

If I don't get to post again in the next few days, I'd like to wish you and your families a very happy and safe Christmas,

MERRY CHRISTMAS

9 comments:

Kay said...

Oh Amanda, I'm so happy for you. That is really a wonderful looking, truly impressive sewing machine. I love that it has it's own stand. It's absolutely beautiful. We'll be looking for a sewing machine after the holidays. The other house projects have been getting in the way. I hope Christopher will feel better soon and that you will dodge that sickness bullet. Happy Christmas!

Amelia said...

It is wonderful to get a gift - even if it is from yourself. Enjoy your new sewing machine cabinet.

So sorry to hear that Christopher is on the sick list...and you will miss the dance..that would have been fun.

Merry Christmas...stay healthy.

Brenda said...

I really enjoyed reading your blog today. Hope he feels better soon, infections are nasty. I have to argue a tad, I think Chicca is the laziest cat in the world. LOL. Enjoy your reading. Such a great tradition.

Amy said...

Oh Amanda---what a beautiful post! Your story about your father and A Christmas Carol was so amazing to read, and it ALMOST made me forget about what was at the beginning of your post. BUT---wow! I'm trying to fight off the jealousy with your sewing cabinet/table. How wonderful for you! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

I will be thinking of Christopher and hope he makes a recovery to enjoy Christmas, too. Thank you very much for the Christmas card you sent us--how very thoughtful!

Merry Christmas---enjoy your time with your family, eat merrily, and relax; the dishes will get done when they get done :0)

Candace said...

Your cabinet is beautiful, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the lift. I have one in my Bernina cabinet, and it is very back saving. Your Christmas tradition that you shared with your father is wonderful. I loved all your decorations, and your stained glass door is glorious. I hope that Christopher feels better by Christmas so that he can enjoy, and that the illness passes you by. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

Gretchen said...

Happy Christmas! Hooray for you--getting a useful and fun gift for yourself! Rosie looks so sweet (and warm!) Best wishes to you and your family for a great holiday.

maria said...

Great sewing table! You will have to get to work on it soon.
I hope your husband gets better soon.
Happy Christmas, Maria x

Gina said...

love the cabinet. I'm sorry that Christopher isn't well. here's hoping that you are both well enough to enjoy Christmas

Love and hugs Gina xxx

Tanya said...

Your new chest looks wonderful! Good for you. We all need a gift to ourselves sometimes.
Take good care of your hubby! Throw a quilt made of love over him and that's sure to scare some of the germs away.
Hugs to Rosie too.